Release Week Primer (Week of 20-March-2010)

Welcome to the latest Release Week Primer. Here you will get a short description and when available, a trailer of the games released this week. The majority of the release dates and descriptions are based on press releases given by the publishers. All dates are for North America and Europe. More publishers are releasing to NA and EU simultaneously but if they are not released on the same day in both regions it will be noted.

22-Mar-11

Crysis 2

PC, PS3, X360
……NA release (EU Release on March 31)
In Crysis 2, the aliens have returned with a full invasion force bent on nothing less than the total annihilation of mankind. In New York, terrifying alien invaders stalk the streets and a nightmare plague strikes down the city’s myriad inhabitants with brutal epidemic speed. The city’s systems are in chaos, its streets and skyline are smashed and in flaming ruin. Neither paramilitary law enforcement nor the might of the US military machine can stand against the invaders, and all who choose not to flee are dead men walking. Just to survive in this maelstrom of death will require technology beyond anything any modern soldier has ever seen. One man will inherit that means to survive. You alone must wield the combat technology of Nanosuit 2, and make the last stand to save humanity from destruction in the urban jungle that is New York City.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Crysis-2-Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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F.3.A.R

PC, PS3, X360
Alma returns in F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel introduce divergent co-op, giving players distinctly different abilities affecting their own play as well as the experience of their co-op partner. Gamers participate in single player or co-op modes as Point Man, a genetically enhanced super soldier originally introduced in F.E.A.R., or they can play cooperatively as his conniving brother Paxton Fettel, whose incredible telekinetic power has given him life beyond the grave.

To further ensure extreme terror in F.E.A.R. 3, legendary horror director John Carpenter (Halloween, Village of the Damned) and critically acclaimed horror comic and script writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) have provided consultation to enhance several of the game’s frightening aspects. Steve Niles co-wrote the game script with the development team and John Carpenter provided his expertise in crafting the in-game cinematics.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Fear-3-Gameplay_Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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23-Mar-11

Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy

PSP
……NA release (EU Release on March 25)
Story
The divine conflict between harmony and discord rages on, the fate of the world its promised prize. Fighting to secure it are brave souls summoned for that solitary purpose. These warriors, relying on what fragments of their shattered memories remain, fight to end the conflict – and for a chance to return home, to the worlds they each once knew.

Features
* The battle between good and evil continues: The action-packed world of DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY is back in full-force, now with new game modes, story missions, items, alternate costumes and combat features. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces.

* New characters revealed: Kain (FINAL FANTASY IV), Tifa (FINAL FANTASY VII) and Lightning (FINAL FANTASY XIII) are revealed as playable characters – the first of many new faces to step up in this ultimate battle between good and evil.

* New features and scenarios: New to DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY are an Assist feature that enables players to enlist characters as back-up in combat, as well as a new storyline with new characters that further enhances the robust gameplay experience. Additional details will be revealed in the coming months.

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Forsaken World

PC (online)
Formerly developed under codename Project EM and previously announced in China, Forsaken World is an all new 3D fantasy MMORPG that breaks new ground by bringing together the best of eastern and western cultures.
Features:

• 5 Distinct Races, each with their own in-depth narrative and history in Forsaken World – Stonemen, Elves, Dwarfs, Humans and the Kindred
• 8 Classes – Warrior, Protector, Assassin, Marksman, Mage, Priest, Vampire and Bard
• 11 Exciting Occupations to choose from including – Socialite, Adventurer, Merchant, Collector, Arcanist, Botanist, Astrologist, Armorsmith, Bladesmith, Tamer and Alchemist
• Mini games related to Forsaken World throughout the website
• The History of Forsaken World through videos, concept art, screenshots and more
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/forsaken_world_launch_trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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25-Mar-11

The Sims 3

3DS
Create a 3D version of yourself in The Sims 3 with the facial recognition technology of the Nintendo 3DS! Capture your likeness or take a picture of your friends with the Nintendo 3DS camera and turn that into a playable Sim character. Change up their look including hairstyles, facial features, and outfits with the stylus. With StreetPass, share your Sims with other Nintendo 3DS owners**.

Interact with The Sims 3 world in whole new ways by using Karma Powers and finding new ways to mess with life. With the shake of a wrist, set forth an earthquake to rock your Sims world or set free a bouquet of butterflies by blowing into the handheld. You can also take your Sims to new zones within the game which have different destinations to explore full of buildable lots and community features. Guide your Sims through life on the Nintendo 3DS as you build relationships and experience different careers to unlock new items, outfits, and various rewards.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/sims-3-3ds-trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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Dynasty Warriors 7

PS3, X360
Dynasty Warriors 7 is a hack and slash video game and the seventh official installment of the Dynasty Warriors series.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Dynasty-Warriors-7-Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars

3DS, DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360
LEGO® Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will include all the characters from both seasons of the hugely popular animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as some fan-favourite characters from the beloved theatrical Star Wars Saga. The game will feature brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat and an upgraded level builder, allowing the creation of customized bases and in-game battlefields. Play either as a Jedi or Separatist with all-new character abilities, such as Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups, all within a new, easy-to-navigate hub.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/LEGO-Star-Wars-III_The-Clone-Wars_Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Kizuna Drive

PSP
In a first for the series, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Kizuna Drive will invite players to launch themselves into four-player team action on PSP. Set in the Shippuden anime series universe and with a wealth of characters to choose from, including Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, Shikamaru and many more, players will team up with up to three friends via Ad Hoc and work together to defeat enemies using tactical combinations of melee and Jutsu attacks. The real test will come when you face up to the big bosses, with ferocious battles in store against Shukaku and Kyubi.

The solo Story Mode will take players through an original storyline with exclusive new characters and challenge them to battle their way through a series of missions, complete with an incredible twist that no fan can afford to miss. The Japanese voice-over, animated cut scenes and opening music sung by the Japanese Naruto voice actor Junko Takeuchi are sure to excite NARUTO series fans.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/NARUTO-SHIPPUDEN_Kizuna-Drive-Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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PES 2011 3D

3DS
PES 2011 3D boasts full play-by-play commentary and also features exclusive use of the UEFA Champions League™, the game’s greatest club competition, while players can also build their own team of budding stars and lead them to glory in the world famous Master League. PES 2011 3D also supports wireless play for two Nintendo 3DS users to compete against each other, and makes use of the Nintendo 3DS system’s ‘Street Pass’ mode. Street Pass adds a competitive element to the Master League mode. It will sense when another Master League team is in the vicinity, and will compare the strength of each side, their respective strategies and stats. It will then award a win to the stronger side. Those with a strong win rate on Street Pass will be promoted to an upper Street Pass Ranking until they reach the ultimate ranking – the UEFA Champions League. Similarly, as users play more and more using Street Pass, the game will unlock Classic players and teams, allowing successful users to create an incredible playing squad!
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Ridge Racer 3D

3DS
Drift through hairpin turns at blistering speeds to edge out the rest of the pack with powerful drift-tuned cars in the newest installment of the global smash Ridge Racer series. Using the stereoscopic 3D power of the Nintendo 3DS™, players will be able to experience a level of intimacy with the on-screen races like never before. Players can now accurately judge the distance between them and the competition with 3D depth of field for some of the most intense arcade racing available. Dirt will fly through the screen on rough terrain and nitrous flames will burst out of tail pipes in a brilliant show of the game’s particle effects.

Other features include an all-new line up of high-powered muscle machines joining the existing in-game selection of race-tuned road beasts, while the new Drift Button brings makes it easier than ever to pull off spectacular turns through tight corners without losing position. New, exciting and vibrant courses include canyons and snow-capped mountains in addition to favourite courses from previous Ridge Racer titles.

Ad Hoc multiplayer mode lets up to four players battle it out for drift supremacy. Choose a registered Mii™, tag, or your own photo to appear above your machine during a race and know exactly who you’re racing against. Swap Ghost data with other players through StreetPass, and create your personal ‘My Ranking’ profile by swapping course records with friends. Racing with friends has never been such red hot fun.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ridge_Racer_trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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Starpoint Gemini

PC
Starpoint Gemini is a tactical space RPG set in a science-fiction universe, which focuses on the control and strengths of individual vessels and their captains. Players can travel the rich vastness of the Gemini star system freely, fight skirmishes with rogue ships, trade commodities, research anomalies, buy new vessels, upgrade their ships with state-of-the-art technology, increase their experience and rank to become more powerful and ultimately use all that in large scale engagements against other fleets of hostile ships.

Players re-emerge into the star system of Gemini after having been trapped in the so-called Stasis rift anomaly for over twenty years. Unaware of the passage of time, they find Gemini and everything they knew changed beyond recognition. The events that took place two decades ago closed the Gateway to Gemini, and thereby practically sealed the star system off from the rest of the universe. Isolation and unforeseen technological advancement due to the appearance of countless anomalies have turned Gemini to a place of political intrigue, greed and lust for power. The fate of Gemini has been shaped and the time for reckoning has almost come…

Gemini is a dangerous place with riches waiting to be claimed by the most daring and capable of captains.

Starpoint Gemini Features
• Free roaming space of the vast and interesting Gemini star system waiting to be explored
• Over 50 large space sectors connected via entrances into hyperspace called T-Gates
• Intriguing storyline full of schemes and plot twists pulling player deeper into main plot
• Deep and immersive experience of a living star system full of space stations, asteroid mining bases, ore fields to be mined, randomly appearing anomalies, random encounters with hostile pirates or vessels in distress, trade convoys, military patrols, nebulas and more
• Countless missions to be taken on at random through Freelance commission
• Diverse skill system offering more than 30 upgradeable vessel maneuvers
• Special passive bonus perks awarded at increasing your rank
• Special built-in abilities making even smaller ship classes useful in fleet battles
• Over 300 available ship upgrades ranging from weapons and energy shields to power core and thrusters
• Various bonuses to be gained by enlisting additional experienced personnel for your ship
• Modding tools made available post-release will allow gamers to unleash their creativity in a completely new environment

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Super Monkey Ball 3D

3DS
Taking advantage of the power of the Nintendo 3DS, players can let themselves loose in each new vibrant world as they twist and turn whilst aiming to collect every banana in the fastest time possible. This latest installment contains three brand-new compelling gameplay choices including single-player puzzle levels, Monkey Race and Monkey Fight. These new game modes give players the chance to compete via wireless connection with up to four players in the best 3D social experience possible in the palm of their hands. In addition, Super Monkey Ball fans will be able to choose between the Nintendo 3DS motion sensor or the Slide Pad to navigate the puzzle mazes with complete precision.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Super-Monkey-Bal-3ds-Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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The Next Big Thing

PC
The Next BIG Thing, the new animated adventure game from Pendulo Studios. Look forward to a fantastic mystery story packed with humor, wacky characters and challenging puzzles. The Next BIG Thing puts a fun, classy twist on the movie genre with a lighthearted adventure packed with references to popular movies and TV shows.

The story introduces the charismatic duo Dan Murray and Liz Allaire, who get wrapped up in a crazy adventure full of twists and packed with hilarious encounters. With their new title, Pendulo Studios stay faithful to their unique graphic style, putting the game on par with animated feature films. The Next BIG Thing maintains Runaway’s beloved ingredients: an intricate story, charismatic characters, wacky mysteries and puzzles, and a sophisticated tone geared for adult players.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/The-Next-Big-Thing-Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]
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Tomb Raider Trilogy Pack

PS3
The pack will include TOMB RAIDER Legend and TOMB RAIDER Anniversary, both newly remastered in HD quality, as well as TOMB RAIDER Underworld, previously released on PlayStation 3. A number of items were also created exclusively for this pack, including a THE TOMB RAIDER TRILOGY PlayStation 3 theme pack, the official Lara Croft female Home avatar outfit, the Viking Thrall male Home avatar outfit and a collection of “making of” trailers in HD for the entire series, a must for any TOMB RAIDER fan.
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True Crime: Hong Kong

PC
Set in Hong Kong, True Crime takes gamers through diverse neighborhoods, ranging from the high class Central HK to the bustling fish markets of Aberdeen and beyond in a wide variety of story missions and sandbox activities. The game also introduces handfuls of intriguing characters for gamers to interact with as they navigate through a truly unique and dangerous city.
[flashvideo file=https://the-games-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/True_Crime_Hong_Kong_Trailer.flv width=545 height=307 /]

One Comment

Everything for this upcoming weeks looks somewhat… mediocre? IDK I am on the fence about Dynasty Warrior. My cousin and I had a lot fo fun with that game back in the Day. Does it still hold up though after all this time?